With summer rapidly approaching, understanding the necessity of sun protection, and the very real risk of sun damage is crucial! Cloudy weather, cold climates, resiliency to sun burns, and differences in skin type make it easy for you to assume that you’re safe from sun damage, but the truth is NO ONE is immune. Everyone’s skin is vulnerable to the damaging effects of the sun’s rays, and therefore, everyone needs sunscreen! (EVERY day)
Read on for a description of the importance of using an SPF, how retinol and sun protection go hand-in-hand, and for some SPF myth-busting!
Why is SPF so Important?
Sunscreen protects us from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, and their radiation. UV rays come in two forms: UVA and UVB. The effects of UVB rays are easy to see and feel because they are responsible for dreadfully painful sunburns. UVA rays, on the other hand, are responsible for long term damage done to skin such as wrinkles, dark spots, pigmentation, and premature aging. While UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, both types of UV rays can cause skin cancer. Because of this, keep an eye out for sunscreens that are labeled as ‘broad spectrum’. Broad spectrum means that the SPF is able to shield the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
Sunscreen Myth-conceptions
Myth #1 “I’m always indoors, so I don’t need Sun Protection”
Contrary to popular belief, working indoors does not mean that we are safe from UV exposure and the havoc it wreaks on our skin. UVA rays can penetrate glass, and because of this, experts say that there’s more risk of UV damage inside our homes and offices than there is outside, especially if you sit next to a window. This concentrated exposure to the sun increases risk potential for age spots, sun spots, and hyper-pigmentation.
Myth #2 “SPF Hinders My Vitamin D Absorption”
Vitamin D is definitely important for proper bodily function - but wearing SPF on your face will not deprive your body from receiving the Vitamin D it needs. Although wearing SPF does slow conversion of Vitamin D into its active form, one can get a month’s worth of vitamin D conversion from having one hand in the sun for 15 minutes.
Myth #3 “I Don’t Need SPF on Cloudy Days”
The greatest dangers are often the ones we do not recognize. Sunscreen on sunny days is rarely debated - longer sun exposure + shorter clothing = sun damage central. The importance of SPF on cloudy days, however, is still incorrectly underestimated by many. One of the biggest, if not THE biggest, misconception is that we are safe from the sun’s rays if there is no sunshine. Although clouds filter out sunlight, UVA/UVB rays are still able to peek through. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, clouds only block 20% of UV rays. This means that even on gloomy days, your skin is still absorbing up to 80% of the sun’s brutal effects. In our humble opinion, odds of 80/20 damage is not a risk worth taking when it comes to our skin!
Myth #4 “SPF Will Stop Me From Getting a Tan”
While wearing an SPF cream will slow down how quickly you tan, it will not stop your skin from darkening altogether. As a defense mechanism, our skin produces melanin when chronically exposed to the sun, leading to that vacay glow. Sunscreen is designed to filter harmful UV rays and prevent sunburn, but it will not prevent the skin’s melanin production. Sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin from the effects of sun damage, while still obtaining that sun-kissed look.
Sunscreen and Retinol
Most are aware of the skin regenerating - somewhat miracle working - effects of retinol. Retinol products tackle a variety of concerns ranging from aging to acne by exfoliating, and speeding up the skin’s cell regeneration. Retinol is used to thin the skin, and clear dead skin cells, making room for newer, clearer skin to grow. Although most retinol products are used at night, the thinning of this layer of the skin makes it more sensitive to the sun’s rays. Because of this, daily SPF use is almost twice as necessary for those who are including a retinol treatment in their skin care regimen.
Eve Hansen Daily Defense SPF 30 Moisture Cream
Due to the unwavering importance of sunscreen, we are thrilled to announce our brand new SPF 30 moisturizer! As a responsible skin care company, we feel that it is our duty to offer broad spectrum sun protection to our customers. Our new moisture cream can take the place of your daily moisturizer and is to be applied as the last step of your morning regimen. No matter if you wear it alone or under makeup, your skin will be protected and hydrated!
Happy sun care-ing!
